Ben Rutten holds the Anzac Day Trophy after his side's win over Collingwood. (Photo: AFL Photos)

A young Essendon side cruised to victory on Anzac Day with an emphatic final quarter, led by young midfielder Darcy Parish who claimed the Anzac Medal following a superb 42-disposal and two-goal performance.

03:27

Rd 6 | Priceless Parish claims his first Anzac Medal

Essendon's Darcy Parish produced a frightening performance from the midfield to earn the Anzac Medal.

In their first game at the MCG since July 2020, and their first game at the MCG with supporters in attendance since August 2019, the Bombers' journey under first-year coach Ben Rutten took a significant step in the right direction.

Essendon had nine players featuring in their first ever Anzac Day match – including Archie Perkins, Peter Wright, Harry Jones, Nick Hind, Nik Cox, Andrew Phillips, Will Snelling, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher and Brayden Ham – but held their nerve to claim victory.

The combination of the performance, and the context in which it was executed on a significant day for the club, left Rutten thrilled with the steps his young side has taken through the season's opening six matches.

09:09

Rd 6 | Rutten & Parish post-game

Watch our press conference after round six's match against Collingwood.

"Someone said it was the biggest crowd in the world in the last 12 months and since (the COVID-19 pandemic)," Rutten said.

"We haven't played at the MCG for a while, probably since we played Collingwood about this time last year. The guys were really excited to get back here and to have that turn out, with 78,000-odd fans here, that was awesome.

"I think we had nine guys playing their first Anzac Day game, so there were so many bits that we'll be able to take out of this game and so many players will be able to take a bit out of this game.

"I think we improved on some areas that we wanted to fix, but we're certainly nowhere near where we're going to get to in terms of what we need to do. Our players are pretty clear on that, they're driven, and they want to get better all the time.

"We'll enjoy this win, because they've put a lot of work in to get it, but I think the way we've been attacking every day we turn up at the club, that has been the most pleasing part. It's good to get the reward on the scoreboard tonight."

The Bombers will look for back-to-back wins against arch-rivals when they host the Blues at the MCG on Sunday.